Friday Offcuts – 14 November 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.The ForestTECH 2025 technology event series returns next week to Rotorua, before heading to Melbourne the following week. Below, we offer a sneak preview of the keynote presentations, which showcase how AI, automation, and digital systems are transforming forestry operations. It’s not too late to register. In headline news, NSW has finalised a support package for timber workers affected by the Great Koala National Park moratorium, covering redundancy top-ups, retraining, relocation, and mental health support. New Zealand is updating its Climate Change Response Act, introducing a Carbon Removals Assessment Framework, simplifying reporting, and adjusting the NZ ETS, while moving the Carbon Neutral Government goal to 2050. Victoria is investing $30 million in state forests to boost recreation, tourism, and environmental protection, while maintaining existing access. In markets, China remains Australia’s top wood products partner, with exports rebounding to A$170 million in FY2025. NZ log prices face a muted outlook, while Green Timber Technology partners with White Picket Fence to double housing output. We also cover AFCA’s restructure, NZ’s BioFactory appointing Bart Challis as CEO, the launch of Treemetrics’ AI forestry assistant, and a new Worksafe NZ report on health and safety. Read these stories and more in this packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
NSW finalises support payments for affected timber industry
The Minns Labor Government has finalised a comprehensive Worker
Support Package for employees at the six timber mills on the North
Coast directly impacted by the recent moratorium on timber
harvesting within the proposed boundaries of the Great Koala National
Park (GKNP).The Worker Support Package was developed in consultation with trade unions, industry, and workers to ensure it delivers meaningful, practical assistance to those directly affected. It also extends to harvesting operators contracted by the NSW Forestry Corporation whose supply has been restricted by the moratorium. The Package is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to timber workers and to ensure they receive the support they need as they adjust to these changes. It is in addition to existing redundancy entitlements, providing an added layer of financial security and transition assistance for affected workers. The package recognises the impact on these employees and provides additional financial compensation, and practical support, to assist with re-employment or career change, and to support workers and their families through a difficult time. Under the Minns Government’s Worker Support Package, the workers will receive:
Redundancy payments and entitlements will be provided to workers by their employer in accordance with their employment contracts or enterprise agreements. The Minns Government’s redundancy top-up payment will also be provided to the workers via the employer. Part-time and casual employees will be eligible for the redundancy payments at a pro-rata value. Staff from the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development is meeting with affected timber mills and haulage operators and their staff to provide information about the Worker Support Package. For information about the Worker Support Package, visit the website. More >> Source: NSW Government Improving New Zealand’s Climate Change Act
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has released a new
Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals, alongside a range of
improvements to New Zealand’s climate change legislation.
“The Carbon Removals Assessment Framework is a crucial step toward recognising and rewarding non-forestry carbon removals in New Zealand, unlocking new opportunities for landholders and businesses,” Mr Watts says. This new framework delivers a priority action from the second Emissions Reduction Plan, showcasing the Government’s commitment to climate action that grows the economy and supporting emissions reductions. It also delivers an election promise to investigate biodiversity credits to reward the creation of new wetlands, recognising their enormous potential. “We have been clear on the important role that nature-based solutions and credible markets play in our climate response,” Mr Watts says. “The framework will support any landholder, project owner, or group interested in accessing a carbon market, to understand whether their project or activity has the environmental and scientific rigour needed to enter those markets. “Forestry is already a critical part of our climate response, but we also want to enable businesses and organisations to explore other ways to reduce emissions. We are progressing work to help farmers and landholders access pathways for recognition and reward for activities that remove carbon from the atmosphere on farm, including opportunities around rewetting peatlands.” Alongside the Framework, the Government is making targeted changes to the Climate Change Response Act (CCRA) to ensure it is working efficiently and as intended. “New Zealand’s climate change system can be unnecessarily complex and duplicative in parts, which creates high compliance costs and slows effective action,” Mr Watts says. “We have been clear in our commitment to look into the CCRA to see where we can make improvements.” Key changes to the CCRA include:
The Government intends to introduce an amendment bill to the Climate Change Response Act to make these changes next year. The Government has also decided to change the neutrality goal for the Carbon Neutral Government Programme from 2025 to 2050. “This change acknowledges that the original 2025 deadline was too soon for organisations to reduce their emissions enough to meet carbon neutrality,” Mr Watts says. “The new deadline also aligns with New Zealand’s broader, legislated 2050 net zero target.” Additional detail on the changes being made and the Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals can be found on the Ministry for the Environment’s website. Source & image credit: NZ Government ForestTECH 2025: A smarter forestry sector
Over the past decade, ForestTECH has established itself as the
leading platform for showcasing technologies transforming forest
operations - from remote sensing and automation to AI and
digital forest management. Next week, ForestTECH 2025 returns to Rotorua (18-19 Nov 2025), followed by Melbourne (25-26 Nov 2025), bringing together forest managers, researchers, and technology providers to explore practical innovations driving smarter, safer, and more sustainable forestry. This year’s programme focuses on real-world innovation in action, with presentations highlighting how AI, automation, and digital systems are being deployed to enhance both environmental outcomes and operational performance across the forest sector. Albrecht von Ruffer, CEO of SKYLAB, will share insights on how custom-built AI tools are revolutionising forest data analysis. “AI and remote sensing hold big promises for better forest management, but there’s no one-size-fits-all,” says von Ruffer. “The key lies in customising AI to the particular forest type and structure at hand — customisable forestAI.” Von Ruffer’s session explores how specialised AI models can be tailored to solve specific forestry challenges, from estimating slash volumes post-harvest to measuring pruning heights using 3D data - unlocking precision tools designed for the forest at hand. Esthevan Gasparoto, Co-Founder and CEO of Treevia Forest Technologies, will demonstrate how continuous, data-driven intelligence is transforming forest management. “Technology is not replacing fieldwork; it’s amplifying our ability to understand and manage forests in near real time,” says Gasparoto. Drawing on case studies from Latin America and beyond, he will show how IoT, remote sensing, and AI are improving decision-making, boosting efficiency, and strengthening sustainability reporting. Closer to home, Brionny Hooper, Human Factors Scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, will examine New Zealand’s transition to mechanised planting and the human factors driving its success. “The shift to mechanised planting is transforming not just operations, but the human experience - driving innovation right at the forestry frontline,” says Hooper. Her session highlights how adaptive design, training, and collaboration are essential to ensure technology enhances performance, reduces fatigue, and builds a resilient, tech-savvy workforce. From Japan, Masanori Onishi, CEO of DeepForest Technologies, will showcase how AI and drone-based forest analysis are setting new standards for transparency in forest monitoring and carbon credit creation. DeepForest’s software enables individual tree-level assessments - improving forest data accuracy, operational transparency, and the integrity of carbon measurement systems worldwide. ForestTECH 2025 continues to lead the conversation on how digital transformation and innovation are reshaping forestry from the ground up. Registrations to both events are still available - book now to avoid missing out. Click here for further details and to register Source: ForestTECH 2025  Future of Victoria's State forests
The Victorian Government is investing $30 million to act on
advice from the Great Outdoors
Taskforce and Eminent Panel for
Community Engagement. This builds on more than $1.5
billion already delivered towards the transition away from native timber
harvesting. Thank you to every single Victorian who shared their story
and connection to Victoria’s forests.We have listened carefully to the community–and support their vision to share the benefits of the forests –focusing on building regional economies, maximising tourism and recreation opportunities, while also protecting forest values and supporting Traditional Owner self-determination. Our commitment is clear: the outdoors is there to be experienced and admired, not locked away. Our focus is on bringing more families and individuals to the bush and more jobs to the regions – while still protecting our environment. Whether it’s camping with family, casting a line on a quiet river, hiking through our world-class national parks, four-wheel driving, boating on our lakes, or setting off on a weekend adventure – outdoor recreation is part of the fabric of Victorian life. It keeps us active, boosts our mental health, and connects us to nature and community. The Great Outdoors Taskforce did not consider large-scale change to land tenures and the creation of new national parks. Victoria’s state forests will continue to maintain the same access our communities have always enjoyed. Our state forests are already home to environmental protections, cherished recreation spaces, and local economic activity. We’ll continue this balanced approach – protecting what matters while ensuring communities can keep enjoying and caring for these landscapes. We share the same goal – thriving,healthy forests that can be enjoyed and cared for by everyone. We’ll continue monitoring forest health and biodiversity to ensure our approach adapts as needed over time. With the end of large-scale commercial native timber harvesting, the Victorian Government delivered landmark protection for precious biodiversity and endangered species. Our commitment is to create more opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors, and to work with communities to make Victoria’s natural assets healthy and resilient. The Victorian Government is adopting a holistic, inclusive and collaborative approach to forest management. The Taskforce built on previous work from the Eminent Panel of Community Engagement, which engaged closely with local communities and provided advice to government on forest management, planning, and governance in the Central Highlands of Victoria, the Strathbogie Ranges and Mirboo North. The Taskforce and Eminent Panel have made it clear that planning for and managing forests needs to put community and Traditional Owner knowledge at the centre. The Taskforce’s input makes it clear: Victorians care deeply about our forests, and they expect them to be cared for and remain accessible for future generations. We will also make our forests more attractive destinations for sustainable, nature-based tourism and investment, supporting wellbeing and livelihoods in regional communities. The Victorian Government’s response consists of 4 actions:
Source: State Government of Victoria Workforce insights programme: employers & workers
FISC recently received a report from Worksafe – Workforce Insights Programme: Employers and Workers. WorkSafe commissioned a series of research reports on workers and employers to help track health and safety performance over time.The employers and workers report examines employer health and safety maturity; worker engagement, participation, and representation; and the impact of workplace safety culture. Some of the Key findings were: The survey shows overall improvements in New Zealand’s work health and safety cultures, compared to 2023.
You can see this report here - it has many encouraging insights about forestry and other industries. Against most of the research elements, forestry is making positive improvements, but there is still plenty of headroom to improve. I was reflecting on this report and couldn’t help but note our current transition to the new ACoP as a tangible example of how our work practices can evolve. One of the most significant changes in the new ACoP is the shift in tone. The new ACoP is less prescriptive. It has a strong focus on identification of hazards and risks, assessment of those risks and development, implementation and monitoring of controls. This approach provides latitude for continuous improvement. Contractors and others should see this as encouragement to monitor and evolve their practices, so long as they meet or exceed the ACoP standard. Thinking about both the report and the how the sector has responded to the new ACoP, one can’t help but think about how we are evolving as an industry. There is a simple framework called the Bradley Curve, it was developed to assess the stages of maturity of a safety culture. Simply, the stages are:
We certainly see evidence of strong compliance cultures, which is not surprising given our poor safety performance prior to the independent review. However, we also see higher levels of engagement and investment in continuous improvement and innovation. I see a strong aspiration that the sector wants to be better, and an understanding that if we are to move to higher levels of safety culture, we need to do this together - a rising tide lifts all waka. More >> Source: Safetree / FISC Image credit: WorkSafe NZ  Is China still Australia's main trading partner for timber?
The trading activities (exports and imports) of wood products, classified under Chapter 44 of the Harmonised Commodity Coding System (HS), have shown some fluctuations over the past decade, particularly during the pandemic years. Overall, exports of Australian wood products remained relatively stable, despite experiencing a sharp decline of almost 25% in 2021. The latest figures for 2025 indicate a recovery, with exports rising by 9% compared to the previous year, reaching a total value of $2 billion.On the import side, the trend also reflects volatility. After falling from its peak in 2022, imports have rebounded, with 2025 figures showing an upward movement with a total value of $2.7 billion. This growth highlights the continued demand for wood-based materials in the domestic market, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. China continues as Australia’s dominant trading partner for wood products, reflecting its role across other commodities. The composition of trade is also distinct – key Australian exports to China include broadleaved hardwood logs, roundwood, and builders’ joinery, while imports from China to Australia are largely manufactured wood products such as plywood, veneer, MDF, and particleboard. Export to China compared to all other countries Before the pandemic, Australia’s export value of wood products to China consistently represented around 25% of total wood product exports, averaging between $550 million and $600 million per year. This share reflected China’s importance as a major and stable market for Australian forestry products. However, from 2022 to 2024, exports to China declined sharply. During this period, the share of exports to China fell to as low as 1–4% of total wood product exports, representing a significant shift in the trade relationship. The latest figures for FY2025 indicate a substantial recovery. Exports to China rebounded to $170 million, accounting for 10% of Australia’s total wood product exports. While this remains well below pre-pandemic levels, the recovery signals renewed demand and an improving trade dynamic with China. Table 1 and Figure 1 provide a detailed view of Australia’s wood product exports to China over the past decade, illustrating both the long-term fluctuations and the more recent rebound.  Sources: ABS, ABARES, S&P Global, FWPA analysis Import from China compared to all other countries While the total import value of wood products has fluctuated over the past decade, the proportion from China has shown a steady upward trend. Prior to the pandemic, China accounted for around 20% of Australia’s wood product imports. In the last financial year, this share had increased to 27%. In terms of overall value, total imports declined significantly between 2022 and 2024, falling from $3.2 billion to $2.6 billion. Despite this decline, China’s share of imports continued to rise, moving from 22% to 25% over the same period. Import activity rebounded in the 2025 financial year, with total values increasing by 3.2%, from $2.6 billion in 2024 to $2.7 billion in 2025. More >> Source: FPWA NZ November 2025 market update
November, the month of Mo-vember in NZ, Thanksgiving in the US
and world vegan month. It is the month that those of us in the southern
hemisphere start to get excited with some decent weather, those
that can’t really grow mustaches have an excuse to give it a nudge
and vegans have another reason to tell you all about being a vegan.It also means harvest activity increases in NZ as more favourable weather allows higher productivity supported by the expectation that prices will continue on a seasonal uplift. This November might be slightly different, however. There will still be vegans veganing and sketchy mustaches proudly worn, but the likelihood of a significant seasonal uplift in log prices this quarter looks rather dour. While there have been some very marginal increases in At Wharf Gate (AWG) prices this month, it is mainly due to the NZ dollar taking a bath against the US (and most other currencies) rather than increases in demand and sales price. The A grade short price at Southern North Island ports is around $125/m3 which has edged up by around a dollar month on month since August, continuing a very soft upward trajectory. Shipping costs are back in the early $US30’s/m3 following a short spike a fortnight ago which was a result of tit for tat imposition of ‘special port fees’ between the US and China. These fees were placed on China based vessels docking in the US by the US Govt which were closely followed by the Chinese Govt reciprocating this for US based ships docking in China. Log inventories in China are up around 150,000m3 in October to 2.7 million m3 with daily offtake in the 55-60,000 m3/day range. October did see a weeklong Golden Week holiday in China which stalled demand for a period, however at the current run rate, supply and demand are finely balanced. The Chinese Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) vied with the NZD over who could take the biggest bath in October with a drop to 49.0, down from 49.8 in September. Anything under 50 indicates a contraction, and this has been the case since March this year. The flipside is the non-manufacturing PMI which covers services and construction rose from 50.0 in September to 50.1 in October. Historically the non-manufacturing PMI would have been the one to look at due to the construction focus, but now that construction is as popular in China as Takuta Ferris is in the Te Pati Māori caucus, the manufacturing PMI is more relevant as this accounts for furniture making which is overtaking construction in terms of log demand. Thankfully Xi and Trump have stopped throwing pencils at each other and agreed to concessions on both sides to de-escalate the trade scuffle. This will be a relief to China based furniture manufacturers who were threatened with an additional 200% tariff in mid-October, however it is unlikely to result in increased demand in the short term. One thing’s for certain is that nothing’s for certain with Trump and he is just as likely to change his mind next week. More >> Source & image credit: Forest 360 Apple invests in NZ & Australian forests
Apple has announced a new investment in New Zealand as part of
its innovative Restore Fund initiative. Through one of the
initiative’s funds, Apple and its partner Climate Asset Management
have invested in a project to protect and restore 8,600 hectares of
forestland across four sites in the Central North Island and one in the
South Island. The project — which is managed in accordance to
Forest Stewardship Council standards — aims to improve
biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration and generate financial
return through the sustainable management of working redwood forests
alongside the conservation of 3,000 hectares of native forestland.Apple also shared an update on its Restore Fund project in Queensland, Australia, which is transforming 1,700 hectares of degraded sugarcane farmland into a macadamia orchard with over 800,000 trees. Located south of Bundaberg and stretching for 8 kilometres, the once heavily farmed zone will see native species re-introduced and regeneratively managed to improve soil quality, increase water efficiency, boost biodiversity and sequester carbon. The project is also establishing a 100-hectare restoration area in partnership with Indigenous conservation organisation W.Y.L.D., which works to reconnect youth with the landscape. The area will serve as a biodiversity corridor linking two bordering national parks. Launched in 2021, the Restore Fund is designed to help scale investment in high-quality, nature-based carbon removal projects around the world. Apple and Climate Asset Management are pooling investments in two distinct types of projects: regenerative land management projects that aim to generate income from sustainable farming and forestry practices — including the projects in Australia and New Zealand; and ecosystem conservation and restoration projects that generate high-quality carbon credits. The Restore Fund supports Apple’s goal to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. To reach this target, Apple is working to reduce its global emissions by 75 per cent compared to 2015, and has so far surpassed 60 per cent. In order to balance the remaining emissions, Apple is using credits from high-quality carbon removal projects, prioritising nature-based solutions due to their multiple benefits. More >> Source & image credit: Apple Chief Executive appointed to NZ’s first BioFactory
New Zealand’s first BioFactory – which,
once established, will be a commercial-scale shared facility in which
biomass feedstocks are transformed into high value biomaterials –
has appointed its first Chief Executive to get the facility up
and running.Bart Challis has more than 25 years of international and domestic experience commercialising science and will lead a team based at the new facility in Rotorua, with its first stage scheduled to open in mid-2026. Bart was most recently Chief Commercial Officer at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre and is a former CEO of Forest Growers Research and Chief Operating Officer at Scion. He returned to New Zealand in 2014 following a 15-year career in the UK, Europe and US where he held senior commercial roles in multinational organisations on the cutting edge of scientific research into new drugs and diseases. Challis says he looks forward to taking up the role on November 24, progressing the establishment of the BioFactory with an eye to supporting the government’s goal of doubling New Zealand’s primary sector revenue by 2034. Highly experienced New Zealand businessman and manufacturing expert Steve Wilson will be the Chair of the Interim Board as the BioFactory is established. Source & image credit: BioFactory Introducing Crann - the world's first AI forestry assistant
Irish forestry technology company Treemetrics Ltd has announced
the launch of Crann, the world’s first AI Forestry
Assistant. Designed to reduce time spent on administrative
work, Crann allows foresters to focus more on managing forests and less
on paperwork.Crann combines satellite monitoring, sensor data, and AI-driven workflows to support a range of forestry tasks. The system can detect forest health changes, flag disturbances, and assist with compliance paperwork, licence applications, and field reporting through simple prompts. According to Treemetrics, the tool uses specialised AI agents trained on forestry operations and Earth observation data to streamline day-to-day management. Treemetrics has opened an early access program for forestry companies and organisations interested in testing Crann. Early partners will have the opportunity to work directly with the system, provide feedback, and help guide its future development. The company says the goal isn’t to revolutionise forestry overnight, but to build practical, field-ready tools that make foresters’ work easier. Source & image credit: Treemetrics (via LinkedIn)  Green Timber technology & White Picket Fence join forces
Green Timber Technology (GTT), an Australian manufacturer of
prefabricated building systems, has formed a partnership with integrated
property group White Picket Fence in a move that will see its new homes
constructed at double the pace.Amid the on-going housing shortage, the innovative modern construction method will enable White Picket Fence to increase its home-building capacity to up to 2,250 homes per year. The strategic partnership will unlock White Picket Fence’s ability to deliver a brand-new home through its building arm Brookyln Homes in just three months – half the time of traditional construction methods. Representing the largest partnership of its kind for GTT, some 100 homes are expected to be delivered by the partnership by the end of 2026. “This exclusive MMC partnership marks a significant step forward in how quality homes are delivered in Australia. White Picket Fence shares our vision for precision, speed and sustainability in home construction, values that sit at the core of GTT,” said Pete Morrison, CEO of GTT. More >> Source: Green Review Image credit: GTT Strengthening the voice of AFCA members
There has always been strength in the national collective voice of AFCA members and we are pleased to announce it will be growing stronger. It may sound cliché but adapting to more complex and demanding business changes through innovation and continuous improvement has been a hallmark of the professional forest service businesses AFCA has been serving.“For almost 25 years, AFCA has been a lean, member-driven organisation,” said Lloyd Martin, Chair of the AFCA Board of Directors. “We know the financial and operational challenges facing our industry and our member businesses. Like them, we are evolving to ensure AFCA is positioned for the next 25 years.” AFCA’s success has always come from the strength of its members businesses who are known for their professionalism and adaptability in changing environments. The next stage of AFCA’s evolution builds on that strength through a renewed organisational structure designed to increase engagement and enhance member representation. As part of this transition, AFCA is streamlining its operations with the ending of the CEO role and the introduction of a new Operational Engagement Manager position, reporting directly to the Board. This role will act as a direct conduit between members and the Board—collating issues, facilitating discussion, and ensuring member priorities are represented both regionally and nationally. “With guidance from the Board, the Operational Engagement Manager will help us remain adaptable and responsive to emerging issues,” Mr Martin explained. “It also gives us the flexibility to bring in subject matter experts when needed, ensuring AFCA’s voice remains informed, credible and influential.” AFCA is also undertaking internal process improvements to maximise efficiency and focus resources where they deliver the most value. “We’re reshaping how we operate to get the best out of what we have and remove what we don’t need,” said Mr Martin. “This change is about ensuring AFCA continues to deliver strong outcomes for members in a sustainable way.” As AFCA reaches out to members, sponsors, and partners to share this new direction, the organisation will also be seeking member input on AFCA’s future priorities. “After all,” said Mr Martin, “we are here for our members—so who better to guide our direction than the people we represent.” AFCA member businesses remain vital to Australia’s forestry supply chain, and AFCA is committed to supporting their success for another 25 years and beyond. More >> Source & image credit: AFCA  Recognising Warwick Wilshier’s 25 year leadership of LTSC
The New Zealand FOA/FFA Transport and Logistics Committee would like to thank Warwick Wilshier for his 25 years of exemplary leadership, as Chair of the Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC). Warwick had a foundational role in uniting the log transport industry and establishing the LTSC, creating a forum for government, operators, and forest owners to solve safety issues like the truck rollover crisis. Warwick was a tireless ambassador for log transport and was rightly recognised with his entry into the New Zealand Transport Industry Hall of Fame in 2020. Notable accomplishments for LTSC included the development of low and long truck configurations, the bolster attachment code, the LTSC operator certification programme endorsed by forest owners and NZTA, the establishment of a driver feedback system. His tenure is credited with transforming the industry through three key changes: fostering a more professional culture, promoting extensive driver education, and introducing safer, longer, and lower load configurations. Read the full letter Source: FOA/FFA Transport and Logistics Committee --(2022)2.jpg) Jobs
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And one to end the week on... The babysitter
As my wife and I were leaving for a night out the babysitter told us to take as long as we like. And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.  Brand PartnersOur Partners & Sponsors Friday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies.
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